Feature Editors:
Aleka Daley, 17
Erica Telisnor, 14
Massachusetts

Hilary Duff,
Dignity
Hollywood Records, 2007

Catherine Newhouse, 16
Illinois

Hilary Duff explores a new style of pop in her latest CD, Dignity. The album opens with an exotic mix of instruments and a steady clap. The song “Stranger” creates a Middle Eastern flair that brings to mind an image of a hypnotized snake. “Happy” contains a lovely violin part.

Her creativity with instrumentals has certainly matured since her Disney days, but her musical themes aren’t particularly enlightening. Many of her songs concern a clichéd romance. The two songs “Between You and Me” and “Dreamer” are about guys competing to date the singer, but both are difficult for the average teen to relate to. Most girls don’t have a bunch of guys chasing after them.

“Danger” concerns a possible romance between a girl and an older man, but the flat vocals and the repetition of the word “danger” causes the theme to come off as unconvincing. “Never Stop” is one of her better songs. It contains a heartfelt message, but the lack of variety makes it too simplistic to leave a memorable impact on the listener.

Overall, Duff’s creative instrumentals and casual tone can make her album enjoyable to listen to at times. However, Dignity is just not one of those albums you can listen to over and over again

Corinne Bailey Rae,
Corinne Bailey Rae
Capitol, 2006

Val Maloof, 18
Massachusetts

On her debut CD, Corinne Bailey Rae has successfully managed to not create fake-sounding generic pop music. But maybe next time she can try to be more exciting.

I loved the classy track “Choux Pastry Heart.” The acoustic melodies were calming. But then, after a zillion painfully slow songs, I went from calm to drowsy. I couldn’t even enjoy “Enchantment” despite how she says enCHAHNTment in her cute British accent.

What’s worse is that all the ballads are cheery. There is no range of emotion besides giddy and really giddy. She’s a great role model for teenagers because she’s original, but she does not admit to the sad times in life.

Some of her songs are up-tempo, but they’re still cheesy. Her song “I’d Like To” has a great jazzy beat; however, this cavity-inducing number is childishly perky. We get the point, Corinne—you’re happy. You didn’t need to take 12 songs to tell us.

Amy Winehouse,
Back to Black
Universal Records, 2006

Erica Telisnor, 14
Massachusetts

Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black is probably the best CD of the year. She captivated me with her first single “Rehab” and drew me in with her vocals on “Me & Mr. Jones.” Also, I liked how she fused reggae and jazz together on the song “Just Friends.”

Her style is unique and refreshing. Her music is a combination of 1950s soft rock, R&B, soul, and a hint of jazz. Her voice is raw and pure on every track. Some may think that her lyrics are vulgar and way too personal, but I feel they are real and original. You definitely can’t compare her to artists like Christina Aguilera or Beyonce because she makes it a point to be different and unlike any other female R&B artist.

Amy Winehouse’s music is like sushi; not many people may appreciate her style because it’s an acquired taste. However, I think that many people would enjoy listening to Amy Winehouse’s debut CD, just to get that laid-back feeling.